Work continues on an 18-lot subdivision on Oak Hill Drive near Plainview Drive, as infrastructure installation progresses this summer.
The project began in early 2024 but was delayed last fall due to a defect in the pond that caused it to hold excess water and encroach onto future lots. The issue was corrected with the help of an engineer, and updated plans for the subdivision were approved by the city council in February 2025.
Those plans originally included two entrances off Oak Hill Drive, with the north entrance going through to U.S. 63. Plans for road access have changed based on community feedback. The north and south entrances will now end in cul-de-sacs, with neither connecting to U.S. 63. The roadway has already been cut to allow for utility installation and will be crowned and ditched after those are complete. Once infrastructure is complete, the lots will be recorded with the county.
In March, the city council approved $30,000 to install 2,000 feet of water line and 1,500 feet of sewer line to serve the development. By April, water and sewer pipe had been delivered to the site, and Pete’s Plumbing – led by John Peterson – began installing it July 16.
Oliver Amick, developer, plans to keep the homes in the “starter home” price range – ideally in the upper $100,000s to lower $200,000s.
“I don’t want to build a bunch of $300,000 or $400,000 homes here,” he said.
The first home, planned as a model or spec house, will be built on the far south side and could be completed by early 2026.
“I would prefer to build to suit,” he said, noting that further development will depend on buyer interest. Potential buyers will have the option to have a home built to suit by Amick or purchase a lot and choose a developer.
The subdivision is named Rawdon Tarn – a nod to Amick’s hometown in England. “Rawdon” means rough hill and “Tarn” refers to a small mountain lake – a fitting name given the property’s terrain.
Although the property was previously listed for sale, Amick said he has pulled the listing and plans to see the project through — unless an offer comes along that “wows” him.
